Multifaceted functions of tissue-resident memory T cells in tumorigenesis and cancer immunotherapy

Abstract Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are well reported as a strong protective first line of defense against foreign antigens in non-lymphoid tissues. Moreover, TRM cells have demonstrated critical protective roles in antitumor immunity, contributing to enhanced survival and tumor growth inh...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Eun Sang Seo, Sung-Kyu Lee, Young Min Son
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-04-01
Series:Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00262-025-04035-x
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Summary:Abstract Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are well reported as a strong protective first line of defense against foreign antigens in non-lymphoid tissues. Moreover, TRM cells have demonstrated critical protective roles in antitumor immunity, contributing to enhanced survival and tumor growth inhibition across various cancer types. However, surprisingly, recent studies suggest that TRM cells can exhibit paradoxical effects, potentially promoting tumor progression under certain conditions and leading to adverse outcomes during antitumor immune responses. Understanding the complexities of TRM cell functions will enable us to harness their potential in advancing cancer immunotherapy more effectively. Therefore, this review comprehensively investigates the dual roles of TRM cells in different tumor contexts, highlighting their protective functions in combating cancers and their unfavorable potential to exacerbate tumor development. Additionally, we explore the implications of TRM cell behaviors for future cancer treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize the therapeutic exploitation of TRM cells while mitigating their deleterious effects.
ISSN:1432-0851